The best airport outfits to masterfully navigate flying in style
Whether you're a frequent flyer or lambast the idea of a long-haul journey, none of us can avoid the chaotic remit of the airport. There are however, a few things we can do to make the experience as pleasant as possible: upgrade to a first-class lounge, ensure you have a reliable carry-on bag, and opt for the most comfortable airport outfit possible.
An outfit that doesn't leave you strapped uncomfortably in your seat for hours is of course important, but for those that also want to prioritise looking polished when you step off the plane, there are a few tricks to styling an ensemble that delivers on both.
Celebrities are well-versed at airport style owing to the on-location nature of their jobs and offer a vast well of inspiration to draw from. Below, we dissect the best airport outfits as worn by our favourite airport-frequenting A-listers.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley: Clean lines
Business class or not, there's nothing stopping you from dressing for the seat you want. Take a note from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's book, who always appears paparazzi ready with an arsenal of understated airport outfits. A crisp cotton shirt tucked into a pair of your most comfortable jeans will work no matter which climate you're stepping into, but you can always throw a blazer over your shoulders for optional warmth.
The boyfriend blue multi stripe fine poplin shirt
The ruler high-rise straight-leg stretch-denim jeans
Millie peak-lapel woven blazer
Ophidia shoulder bag
Zoe Saldaña: Preppy layering
If you live in your favourite wool coat come the colder months, then let it form the foundation of your airport outfit. Zoe Saldaña's winter-appropriate ensemble is a lesson in layering for the airport, styling her mole coat over a white vest top and classic black cardigan, allowing you to add or remove layers as the temperature demands. Saldaña combines this with a pair of relaxed-fit jeans and patent leather loafers, while accessorising with a baker boy hat and slouchy tote bag for a sleek, off-duty look.
Wool-blend blindseam coat
Le De-Nîmes droit high-rise straight jeans
Le Loafer high-shine finish flat shoes
Le 5 À 7 Bea leather tote bag
Bella Hadid: Casual stripes
Hadid's nautical-leaning outfit gives a laid-back feel that will be sure to help ease you into your holiday mode. The model has swapped a classic blue-and-white stripe for a muted brown option with a sporty Chanel ribbed top, pairing it with straight-leg white jeans and trainers. The pièce de résistance of this outfit, though, has to be the rectangle brown-tinted sunglasses Hadid sported, which gives the ensemble a decidedly Nineties touch. Adding a thick knitted jumper can be a good call to combat the chilly temperature inside the plane and can be tied round the shoulders when not worn, in-keeping with the sophisticated sailing style.
Striped tank top
Cotton-twill flared pants
Rectangle-frame sunglasses
Marathon leather sneakers
Amal Clooney: Smart silhouettes
Heading away for business rather than pleasure? There's no one that embodies smart airport dressing quite as well as Amal Clooney. Case in point, her elegant red ensemble consisting of a red cropped suit jacket and matching skirt, worn over a tie-neck shirt and paired with nude heels. There's no doubt this vibrant shade will turn heads at the terminal, but for something more understated, a black or navy suit would do just the trick, as would swapping out the skirt for a pair of tailored trousers. Extra points for a billowing blow-dry to match. You can of course also switch up the shoes for a polished pair of ballet flats.
Dickey crepe blazer
Pussy-bow silk-georgette shirt
Lebone pleated crepe straight-leg trousers
Sporty Kate nappa pumps 85
Cate Blanchett: Amped-up athleisure
Cate Blanchett's street style is almost on a par with her impeccable red-carpet wardrobe, and you need look no further than this outfit to see how she adapts timeless pieces for any occasion. This outfit masterfully balances athleisure with tailoring, pairing the structure of an oversized blazer with the casual elements of a white T-shirt and wide-leg trousers. Add playful elements with colourful accessories such as Loewe's Puzzle tote in a verdant green shade, or copy Blanchett's Sixties-inspired Longchamp sunglasses.
Wool blazer
Sierra white t-shirt
Side stripe trouser
Puzzle fold large leather tote
£1800.00 at net-a-porter.com.uk
Rihanna: First-class loungewear
Rihanna has cracked the code when it comes to comfortable outfits that exude luxury. Her airport style contains loungewear staples — jersey trousers, a vest top and trainers — which she elevated with the addition of a soft fabric jacket, cosy shearling gilet, designer tote bag and layers of gold jewellery. With an outfit as cosy as this, you'll have no trouble hunkering down for the duration of your flight.
Wool-trimmed shearling vest
Round-neck long-sleeve jersey top
Straight-leg cotton-jersey jogging bottoms
Andiamo shoulder bag
Victoria Beckham: Travel-approved tailoring
We want to recreate this Victoria Beckham outfit for many reasons, not least because of that iconic T-shirt. But pop culture moments aside, this look is certifiably good airport style. A loose-fitting t-shirt feels relaxed and unrestrictive, while a pair of wide leg trousers offer comfort and sophistication hand-in-hand. While Beckham is rarely seen out of a pair of high heels, this outfit would look just as good with a pair of trainers or elevated flats. Even better, the fashion designer has created her own slogan t-shirts which perfectly capture her iconic sense of humour.
Slogan cotton jersey t-shirt
Sonia wide-leg pant
Campo leather and suede sneakers
£115.00 at net-a-porter.com.uk
Triomphe round sunglasses
Priyanka Chopra: Flying cargo
Cargo trousers have become a staple of the modern capsule wardrobe, equally suited for a casual lunch plans as they are for drinks in the first class lounge, when paired with the right accessories. Priyanka Chopra has put her own spin on the style, elevating it with a heeled ankle boot, clean white shirt and tailored coat to add structure. For a more relaxed approach to travel style, pair your cargo trousers with an oversized sweatshirt and chunky trainers.
Cotton shirt
Cotton-blend twill straight-leg cargo pants
£440.00 at net-a-porter.com.uk
Virgin wool coat
Stuart power leather ankle boots
£550.00 at net-a-porter.com.uk
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